Königs Wusterhausen: Palace History, Lakes and Wildlife Park

Königs Wusterhausen combines royal history and city museums with a landscape of lakes and a wildlife park. You can shape your stay in different ways: around historic sites and exhibitions, activities on the water, or a longer walk through the forest and nature.

The palace and museums tell the city’s story

Königs Wusterhausen Palace served as a seat of government for Frederick William I and was the meeting place of the legendary Tobacco Cabinet. Following extensive renovation and restoration work, the palace reopened in 2000; it is designated as a museum palace. The site’s historical significance gives a visit to Königs Wusterhausen a concrete starting point without reducing the city’s history to a single era.

The Dahmeland Museum has a permanent exhibition on the history of the Dahmeland and the city of Königs Wusterhausen. It is supplemented by changing special exhibitions. While the palace is associated with Frederick William I and his reign, the museum offers a broader view of the history of the city and the Dahmeland.

Three museums in Königs Wusterhausen are within walking distance of the railway station. They tell the city’s story from different perspectives. So if you would like to include museums in your stay, you’ll find more than one perspective on the place; you can check current timetables before your trip.

The wildlife park: forest, lakeshores and a circular trail

Today, the wildlife park is a diverse mixed deciduous forest and nature reserve. It was established in 1725 as a game preserve for the Soldier King. The circular Tiergarten trail brings this woodland landscape together with various landmarks of local history: ten wooden sculptures illustrate historical themes, and the trail follows the Staabe and Krimnicksee lake past quiet stretches of shore.

The circular trail is 7.5 kilometres long. Possible starting and finishing points are Königs Wusterhausen railway station or the hiking car parks at the wildlife park. Regional trains on the RE and RB lines and the S-Bahn stop at the station; the circular trail can also be accessed from there. Sights along the route include Husareneck and Spukbrücke. The stone circle “The Twelve Wise Ones” is also located by the orchard meadow, along with a barefoot path, a balance beam and a rest area.

The route offers several distinct experiences for your day, rather than just a walk through the forest: quiet stretches along the shore, wooden sculptures connected to local history, and the rest area by the orchard meadow. At 7.5 kilometres, the loop is a clearly defined option for anyone planning a longer hike during their stay.

Lakes and activities on the water

The lake district of Königs Wusterhausen includes lidos, swimming spots, boathouses, moorings and fishing spots in the town centre and almost all outlying districts. Possible water sports include paddling, rowing, sailing, water skiing and pedal boating. The range extends from setting your own pace on the water to more active pursuits. Together with the wildlife park, this creates a clear contrast: your stay can be shaped more by the lakes or by the forest and circular trail.

The chatbot Herr Fabian was specially developed for families and offers entertainment for a half-day trip to Königs Wusterhausen. It’s another way to plan your stay, alongside the museums, palace and activities in the lake district. You can tailor your search to the experiences that matter most for your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Zeesen, Ziegenhals, Senzig, Schönefeld, Spreewaldheide, Schlepzig, Teupitz and Heideblick.

Back to the regional travel guide: Dahme-Spreewald.